The Department of Water Services can now make civil claims for damages or losses against anyone who tampers with Anguilla’s water network, under newly amended legislation.
Lawmakers unanimously approved the Department of Water Services (Amendment) Act, 2026 in the Anguilla House of Assembly on 26 February.
It allows the department to recover the full cost of repairs or replacements, the value of lost or wasted water, and any administrative, operational or legal expenses incurred as a result of damage.
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The law also covers compensation for disruptions to water service and additional costs to protect public health or restore the integrity of the water system.
Any amounts claimed under the law constitute a debt payable to the department and can be pursued through civil courts.
Interest and penalties will be charged for wilful or negligent conduct, and the department can also recover reasonable legal costs for pursuing or defending claims.
The water challenge
Water minister Kyle Hodge, who presented the bill, said water has always been a challenge for Anguilla and that he is committed to staying engaged with the issues until solutions are found.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to rebuild the water network, describing it as a “four-pronged approach” addressing infrastructure, human resources, operations and accommodation.
Hodge reflected on the importance of understanding and listening to the public, saying elected officials must feel, see, and hear the experiences of Anguillians dealing with water disruptions.
He said the bill clarifies the leadership structure of the Department of Water Services, replaces the chief engineer with the director as head of the utility, as well as allowing for civil damages or losses recovery.
The minister thanked legislators for their bipartisan support and expressed his determination to continue working around the clock to ensure reliable water service for the island.
A caution
Infrastructure minister Jose Vanterpool, who rose in support of the bill, praised his colleague’s dedication to improving Anguilla’s water infrastructure and commended him on “an excellent job”.
He acknowledged the challenges of providing consistent service, noting feedback from residents about late-night supply and pressure issues.
Vanterpool highlighted that the island’s water loss does not just come from leaks but often from illegal connections, and said the amendments give the department legal authority to hold offenders accountable.
He stressed that the legislation should act as a deterrent to tampering or stealing water, adding: “I caution all persons who know that they are taking part in a practice that should not be.”
The minister concluded by expressing confidence that, with continued dedication, reliable 24/7 water service across Anguilla is achievable.
‘A top priority’
Education minister Shellya Rogers-Webster, who rose in support, said water has been a top priority for the administration since the election and praised Hodge’s diligence in addressing the island’s challenges.
She highlighted the importance of consistent, reliable water supply for all residents, especially those without alternative sources like cisterns, and stressed that access to water is a basic need and right.
Rogers-Webster said the government is fully committed to using all available resources and expertise to ensure 24/7 service and overcome operational and legislative limitations.
She concluded by strongly supporting the amendments and affirming the government’s people-focused approach to delivering essential services, adding: “Water remains a top priority.”
Tourism minister Cardigan Connor expressed support for Hodge, affirming that he and the assembly would provide the necessary backing to ensure reliable water for the people of Anguilla.
Ministerial assistant Jeison Bryan, who also stood in support of the bill, commended Hodge and his team and pledged to continue backing their efforts to ensure water development stays on track in Anguilla.
A huge cost
In August 2025, Hodge said the replacement of Anguilla’s ageing water distribution infrastructure would cost about EC$50 million.
According to earlier reports, 80% of the island’s water supply was being lost to leaks and to unauthorised connections – a situation the water minister described as “very stressful”.
In the government’s latest budget, EC$9 million was committed to cover trenching, pipe procurement and the repiping across the “worst zones” in Anguilla.
The UK government has also committed grants totalling £1 million to be spent during the current budget year for the project.
In February, high-strength, corrosion-resistant PVC piping, set to replace major sections of Anguilla’s ageing water infrastructure, began arriving on the island.
Anguilla’s water distribution network was managed by statutory body, Water Corporation of Anguilla, from 2009 until 2024 when it was replaced by the Department of Water Services.
US water services provider Seven Seas Water Group signed a 10-year contract in 2018 to produce one million gallons of water per day for Anguilla.
